The Maple Leafs are getting John Tavares back at just the right time.
Toronto confirmed the veteran center has returned to the team and is available for Tuesday night’s game against Utah after missing Saturday’s win over Colorado following the birth of his son, Tucker. The Leafs handled the Avalanche without him, rolling to a 6-3 victory, but Tavares gives them another layer of experience and structure against a Utah team that, as the reporting notes, “can't be counted out.”
Tavares, 36, has three points in five games this season. There was no indication of where he will slot into the lineup against the Mammoth, and that uncertainty matters because Toronto has been moving pieces around a lot lately.
One possibility is a return to the middle on the second line, where Tavares has often been most useful. He brings the kind of net-front game Toronto can lean on, and his face-off work remains a clear asset.
That said, the Leafs have options. The second power play unit is one area that could use him, especially after what Gavin McKenna was able to do.
There’s also the matter of William Nylander, who looked strong alongside Auston Matthews and could stay there if Toronto wants to keep that combination rolling.
With Hiller having shuffled the lineup so much over the past couple of games, Tavares could land in a few different spots on Tuesday. But no matter where he starts, his return gives Toronto a meaningful boost as it tries to keep building momentum against Utah.
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For Toronto, the question is no longer just whether Edvinsson could be available, but what kind of return Detroit will demand if it decides to move him. The interest is not limited to one rival, and that kind of competition tends to drive the price up fast, especially for a young defender with his profile. If the Leafs want to stay in the race, they may have to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice for the chance to add him to a group that has been searching for more steadiness on the back end. [Read more 🡒]